Families North London Magazine 127 Nov Dec 2017

North London IN THIS ISSUE

Where’s Santa Seasonal Celebrations WIN! Family tickets to Tower of London Ice Skating Rink See Page 4 for details Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more inside!

Issue 127 November/December 2017

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DISCOVER

THE STORIES

THAT

NEVER GOT OUT

Over the drawbridge and behind the castle walls lie unexpected tales of lost princes, WW I spies 2 Families North London

and daring escapes.

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Welcome to the November / December issue!

CONTACT US:

UPCOMING ISSUES

Families North London Magazine

Jan/Feb 2018: Nurseries and Childcare

Publisher: Heather Waddington

Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Managing Editor: Lisa Ralph PO Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 M: 07402 613 042 E: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk www.FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE:

North London IN THIS ISSUE

Where’s Santa Seasonal Celebrations WIN! Family tickets to Tower of London Ice Skating Rink See Page 4 for details

Deadline : 8 December 2017

Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more inside!

Issue 127 November/December 2017

familiesonline.co.uk

Front cover image credit www.depositphotos.com

Circulation 28,000+ copies every issue. Published 6 times a year.

For families from birth to twelve.

3 Local News 5 Education 7 Parenting 8 Clubs and Classes 12 Getting Ready for the Holiday Season 13 Gift Guide 14 Pantos & Seasonal Shows 18 Where’s Santa?

19 Ice Rinks 20 What’s On www.facebook.com/FamiliesNorth @FamiliesNthLon

Local News Primary school pupils take the reins at The Mall Wood Green Pupils aged 10-11 from Lordship Lane Primary School took over the reins for a day at The Mall Wood Green as part of an initiative to give children an insight into the business world. The ‘Takeover Day’, on Thu 5 Oct, invited the pupils to shadow professionals from The Mall Wood Green to see what is involved in the day to day running of a shopping centre. The children were given the opportunity to work alongside members of the management, marketing operations and security teams.

Youngsters were set a genuine marketing challenge, which saw them bring out their creativity by designing snowflakes, all of which will be converted and produced as vinyls that will be on display in the centre during this year’s Christmas shopping season. Isaiah Fapuro, Marketing Manager at The Mall Wood Green, commented: “Here at The Mall we pride ourselves on being part of the Haringey neighbourhood. Our Takeover Day with Lordship Lane Primary School was a fantastic way to listen to children’s ideas and give them just a small insight as to just what it takes to run a shopping centre.”

Schools looking to participate in The Mall Wood Green’s 2018 Takeover Day should register their interest with Isaiah Fapuro by emailing isaiah.fapuro@themall.co.uk.

Enfield’s First 4Dx Cinema Screen

Eat and be Charitable

North London’s first ever 4DX auditorium had opened at Cineworld Enfield. The cinema already features 15 state-of-theart screens, including an IMAX screen as well as a Starbucks on the first floor. Featuring pioneering cinematic technology, 4DX boasts high-tech motion seats and special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, bubbles, water, and scents to stimulate all five senses. The 4DX auditorium will house 156 specially designed seats, plus a curved screen bigger than a double decker bus.

Charitable BOOKINGS is the revolutionary restaurant booking app that gives back to charity at absolutely no cost to individuals.

When making a booking, £1 for EVERY diner in the party will be donated by the restaurant to a charity of the booker’s choice.

Cinema fans can take advantage of a range of offers including a weekly discounted ‘Movies for Juniors’ screenings are also available for just £2 on selected weekend mornings and school holidays, as well as Student NUS discount.

A feature that makes Charitable BOOKINGS stand out as a booking platform is that, it allows customers to call the restaurant directly when making reservations. With the ability to see the restaurant’s sustainability credentials, guide price, type of cuisine, address with map, ratings, photographs, awards and a description of the restaurant, this is an essential guide to dining out.

For more information on Cineworld Cinemas, please visit www.cineworld.com

Customers can choose from a list of over 7,500 UK registered charities, from local projects to global endeavours, supporting a wide range of causes.

Families North London Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North London Ltd are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North London Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North London Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. familiesonline.co.uk

Families North London 3

Local News “Speak Like A Native” launches in prestigious London schools The Autumn term was the launch of Speak Like A Native clubs, a new way of learning languages at some of London’s top prep and primary schools. Following a successful trial, the scheme is now branching out into other schools across London including University College School Pre-prep, St Anthony’s School, and Gospel Oak Primary.

The best way to get children excited and confident about speaking a different language is to teach them in an environment where it doesn’t feel like a lesson.

That’s what Speak Like A Native aims to do. Its extra-curricular sessions take place in informal environments, with no testing, learning, homework or grammar.

Pupils pick up the language being taught through playing games, completing tasks and working with guides, who facilitate activities and only speak in the language being taught. The children pick up words and phrases as a way of decoding what the guides are saying. It is rewarding, fun, and helps build confidence.

Derick Deysel who has two daughters in Speak Like A Native Spanish Club says: “Our daughters have enjoyed their first term with Speak Like A Native. The sessions are really good fun and interactive, so it doesn’t feel like learning to them. We are impressed with how much Spanish they have learned, and they are very excited about returning.”

For further information, interviews and jpgs please contact Caroline@carolineratnercommunications.com 020 8209 0120

Baby to Toddler Returns to London!

Baby to Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents of children aged 0 to 4 is returning for a second year! Coming to the London ExCeL from 18th to 19th November, the two day shopping event will partner with Peppermint where visitors will have access to exclusive offers and deals from some of the biggest brands and names you know and trust.

Guests will also receive a free book worth up to £4.99 by Campbell Books upon arriving, whilst stocks last. The Kids Zone will make a return, to keep the kids entertained and the MAM Feeding Area will have everything needed to feed the attending tots, including bottle warmers, microwaves, bibs and more!

Tickets are on sale now via http://bit.ly/BookBabyToToddler. Early bird ticket is £6 until 1st October. Standard advance is £8 and on the door is £12. For more information on visiting Baby to Toddler please visit www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk.

COMPETITION Win Family session on Tower of London Ice Rink with Arena Ice We have 5 family tickets to give away for London’s most iconic skate rink. Five lucky families will take on a fun filled 45 mins gliding on the newly extended ice rink in the famous moat, while taking in spectacular views of the fortress walls overlooking the River Thames. There’s a café and bar on site too, and a programme of events so visitors can book a session then spend the rest of the day or evening in one of London’s most impressive historic locations.

Tower of London Ice Rink, 17 Nov 2017 - 2 Jan 2018

How to enter: To enter the competition via http://bit.ly/FamiliesTofLSkate and answer this question.

Closing date is 1 Dec. Q: Which river is overlooked by the Tower of London?

1. The River Trent 2. The River Thames 3. The River Wye www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk Terms & Conditions: Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, 1 adult / 3 children or 2 adults / 2 children). All tickets need to be booked online with their promo code.

Sessions start at every hour on the hour and last 45 minutes from the time on your ticket. You’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before your skate session. You have to be at least 3 years old. Skaters aged 3–10 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Children aged 11-12 must be accompanied by adults at all times. A ratio of 1 adult to 5 children will be accepted. You are responsible for skating safely.

Not recommended for anyone with serious illness, heart conditions or pregnant mothers to be. Skate hire is included in your ticket price, but feel free to bring your own. Spectators can watch for FREE! For further information, please go to our FAQ page http://www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk/faqs/

4 Families North London

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Education Making the most of Parent’s Evening Explore Learning offers some helpful tips.

So you’ve been to a meeting with your child’s teacher and you’ve got an overview of how your child is progressing. But what do you do next to help?

• Discuss with your child the feedback from their teacher, they may already be aware of what they need to work on but if they don’t, talk about it. Set a goal together of something they would like to achieve based on their feedback and aim to complete this by the end of next term. Make a plan together about how they are going to get there.

• For example: You’re told they give up every time they have to learn something new, especially times tables.

The goal you come up with together is to have a cando attitude. Steps to getting there could be taking a new set of tables and learning them in small batches.

Praise them for the ones they have got right alongside highlighting when they are being positive towards their learning so they know what kind of attitude is expected.

• If you’ve set any goals with the teacher, then plan a time to review these. Depending on how the teacher likes to work this could be an email, call or face to face catch up 6-8 weeks after the initial meeting. Review how things are going and make changes if needed.

• You may come away from a meeting and realise you’ve forgotten something or you don’t understand how the school is reporting on progress. Contact the school if you still have questions, or look on their website as you should find a wealth of information on there.

• Ask others for help, don’t worry if you don’t understand something or want to know what others are doing. Lots of people will be in the same position so talk to fellow parents for advice. Alternatively, there are some great advice websites like www.theschoolrun. co.uk and www.oxfordowl.co.uk or if you have a tutor, talk to them. At Explore Learning our tutors always help parents when they need advice and will take into account your child’s recent reports and feedback when tailoring their learning.

Never be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your child’s learning!

Jump In Trampoline Parks: Enfield Where’s the best place to bring the kids when they need to burn off energy?

Our place! A place that’s Jumpin’ This is the place where you’ll be free To turn smiles into energy, Spring, tumble, arrow, fly Reach the clouds. Touch the sky!

Book Now www.gojumpin.com/enfield For more info hello@gojumpin.com 50+ Trampolines

Battle Beam

Toddler Zone

Twist Ladder

Giant Air Bag

Tumble Track

Dodgeball

Birthday Parties

Cafe

@jumpinenfield

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jump in arena

Families North London 5

Independent Schools Open Days Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. Please check websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

Abercorn School W1B Boys and Girls 2 ½ - 13 yrs 8www.abercornschool.com

Open Day: Wed 22 Nov, 9.15am.

(020 7100 4335

The American School in London NW8 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.asl.org

Open Day: Tue 21 Nov, 8.45am; Wed 6 Dec, 6pm; Fri 27 Apr, 8.45am.

(020 7449 1200

Channing School Highgate N6 Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.channing.co.uk

Open Day: Jun Sch: By appointment. Senior Sch: Wed 8 Nov; Fri 17 Nov, both 9.15am.

(020 8340 2328

Grange Park Prep School N21 Boys 3-4 yrs, Girls 3-11 yrs.

8www.gpps.org.uk

Open Day: Tue 7 Nov, Tue 5 Dec, Tue 9 Jan; Tue 6 Feb; Tue 6 Mar; Tue 1 May; Tue 5 Jun; Tue 3 Jul, all 9.30am.

(020 8360 4869

Kilburn Grange School Kilburn NW6 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk

Open Day: Weekly Tours – every Wednesday from 2.30–3pm.

(020 7504 0547

Mulberry House School London NW2 Boys and Girls 2-7 yrs 8www.mulberryhouseschoool.com

Open Day: Mon 6 Nov, Mon 20 Nov, Mon 4 Dec, all 6:30pm.

(020 8452 7340

North Bridge House School NW1/3 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9mnths - 18 yrs 8www.northbridgehouse.com

Open Day: Tue 14 Nov, Tue 5 Dec, 9.30am (Nursery & Pre-Prep); Fri 10 Nov, Fri 9 Feb, 9am (Prep); Wed 8 Nov, 9am, Sat 9 Dec, 10am (Senior) (020 7267 6266

North London Rudolf Steiner School N8 Boys and Girls 0-7 yrs 8www.rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk

Open Day: Thu 16 Nov, 1.30-3pm (020 8341 3770 *info@rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk

St Christopher School SG6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.stchris.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 28 Apr, 9.30am-1pm.

(01462 650 947

Mount House School Hadley Wood EN4 Girls 11-18 yrs 8www.mounthouse.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 18 Nov, 10am-1pm.

(020 8449 6889

South Hampstead High School NW3 Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.shhs.gdst.net

Open Day: Fri 24 Nov, 9am (Sen Sch) .

(020 7435 2899

University College School Pre-Prep NW3 4-7 yrs 8www.ucs.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 7 Jun, 4.30pm (Jun Sch).Sen Sch by appointment.

(020 7722 4433 *pre-prep@ucs.org.uk

Information events for Reception places in September 2018 & 2019 1 Nov, 22 Nov and 13 Dec 2017 (between 5-6pm) Weekly Tours – every Wednesday from 2.30pm.

“Kilburn Grange consistently exceeds every expectation. I could not be happier with the way my daughter is growing and blossoming. We feel very lucky we found it!”—Parent Telephone: 0207 504 0547 Mobile: 07764969802 Web: www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk Email: info@kilburngrangeschool.org.uk T: @KilburnGrangeSc F: facebook.com/kilburngrangeschool Kilburn Grange School, Priory Park Road, London NW6 7UJ 6 Families North London

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Parenting

Helping Your Child with Spelling: A Parent’s Guide

By Andrew Campbell The new school year is here, and pretty soon your child may start bringing home weekly spelling lists to study. As a parent, you may be wondering, how can I help my child become a better speller?

• Rainbow writing. Using coloured pencils in different ways can help to make parts of words more memorable. Highlight the tricky part of a word or write the tricky part in a different colour.

Firstly, it is useful to understand the different ways in which children remember spellings.

Visual: ‘Does it look right?’ Children respond to the shapes of words and patterns of the letter-strings within them.

Auditory: ‘Sound it out!’ Children recognise the relationship between sounds and letters or groups of letters and analyses words in these terms.

Kinaesthetic: ‘Let the spelling come out of the end of your pencil!’ Children become accustomed to making specific hand-movements to produce particular words or letter strings.

Linguistic: ‘Why is it spelt like that?’

Children learn to be aware of relationships between words or parts of words based on meanings, syntax, derivations etc.

Next, it is helpful to appreciate that all children have a preferred learning style and by offering your child activities which suit their style, you will help them learn more quickly and effectively.

Visual Learners learn by looking at the letter/word as it is said or written.

Oral Kinaesthetic Learners learn by saying the letter/word as it is viewed or written.

Manual Kinaesthetic Learners learn by writing/creating/modeling/tracing the letter/word as it is viewed or spoken.

Here are some activities you can try at home with your child to help them with their spelling skills.

• Show your child how words can be broke down into syllables e.g. together = toget-her, discovery = dis-cov-er-y.

• Ask your child to draw pictures for each of the spelling words. Get them to write the word below the picture. Take all the pictures and create a spelling reference book.

• Create a word search with your child’s spelling words. Make a grid of 10 squares by 10 squares, writing the spelling words in the grid, then filling up the other squares with random letters. Keep a list of your child’s spelling words nearby for them to refer to.

• Together, think of ways to remember the words. For example, You HEAR with your EAR; He will be a FRIEND until the END; Big Elephants Can Always Upset Small Elephants. These types of memorisation tricks are called mnemonics.

• Encourage your child write a story using as many of their spelling words as possible and also include illustrations.

• Trace, copy and replicate. Write the word on a sheet of paper ensuring that it is spelt correctly and is large enough to trace over. Trace over the word and say it at the same time. Move to the word you have just written and write it out as you say it. Turn the page over and write the word as you say it, then check that it is spelt it correctly.

BLOSSOM TREE CHILDCARE

• Rearrange letters from your child’s name or other known words to make new words.

• Enjoy playing word games with your child eg. Scrabble, Boggle, Hangman and Word lotto.

• Play the ‘plasticine writing challenge’.

Flatten a piece of plasticine and use a pencil to ‘write’ a spelling word in it.

Now look at the word together. After a while, smooth over the plasticine and challenge your child to write the word from memory.

When studying spelling, encourage your child to use the ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” method.

Look: first look at the whole word carefully and if there is one part of the word that is difficult, look at that part in more detail.

Say: say the word as you look at it, using different ways of pronouncing it if that will make it more memorable.

Cover: cover the word.

Write: write the word from memory, saying the word as you do so.

Check: Have you got it right? If yes, try writing it again and again. If not start again. Repeat the process and keep practising until the word has been spelt correctly three times Above all, ensure that your child feels confident that, as a writer, they always have your interest, admiration and support.

To see your advert here contact: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk 07402 613 042 01923 247 069

Affordable Childcare Long and short term affordable, Au pairs and Nannies We are a family-based agency offering advice and assistance to families thinking about childcare options.

We shall support you before, after and during all placements.

Look forward to hearing from you. info@blossomtreechildcare.co.uk 020 3302 7197 www.blossomtreechildcare.co.uk T @blossomtreechi3 familiesonline.co.uk

Families North London 7

Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Rising Stars Birthday Parties (N2 + greater London) A full service offering which includes venues, entertainment, invitations, catering and going home presents so parents can sit back and enjoy the party! We offer various themes including football, multi – sports, nerf guns, dance, gymnastics and bespoke themes whilst playing the latest big tunes. For further enquiries, contact *info@risingstarsactivities.com or call (020 8150 6655 8www.risingstarsactivities.com Parentville Parties, the free online planning tool for children’s parties!

Parentville is here to make planning a kid’s dream party fun and rewarding… without all the stress. Find Party Venues, Entertainment, Cakes, Decorations, Photographers… Browse Photos and verified parents’ reviews under each listing while comparing prices. You can also chat freely with the providers to discuss your specific requirements. Once your choice is make, booking is only a few clicks away! All providers are tested or met personally.

8www.parentville.co.uk

CHILDREN’S PARTIES Adam Ants (various) Offer high energy fun parties from 1-8 years. Magic/Balloon Modelling/Puppets/Music/Dancing loads of fun! Ask about the special Build a Bear / Olympic Sports parties. They have amazing Face Painters/Hire Tables and Chairs. Bouncy castles/ Ball Ponds - invite your favourite character Peppa/ Mickey/Spiderman/Elsa and more.

8www.adamantsparties.co.uk *info@adamantparties.co.uk (020 8959 1045 / (07969 121 094 Billy - Junior Magician available for parties, 40 minute children’s show includes magical pass the parcel followed by 20 minutes close up magic for the adults. Show suitable for 5-10 years.

Weekend and after school parties, most areas covered. £45 for the hour.

(07880 956 690 *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk Danny Grant Soccer School offers actionpacked football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Nonstop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches.

7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches. Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable.

Call (020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk 8 Families North London

Flip Out Brent Cross (serving north London). The UK’s most advanced trampoline arena, trick park and ninja skills centre. Perfect for all ages. Ninja warrior course (as seen on TV!). Laser maze room. Foam pits. Battle beam.

Sensational themed party rooms. Tumble track. Summer camps. Awesome fun!

(020 8050 23918 8www.flipout.co.uk/brent-cross Kiddikicks If your child is mad about football, we offer child and toddler football themed birthday party entertainment. Book a tailor-made party that packs in the party with your kids.

London and Greater London.

(020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk 8www.kiddikicks.co.uk Little Volcanoes Science Club and Birthday Parties A unique combination of science experiments and hands-on sensory acitvities with drama and singing.

Learn while having fun! Ages 4-8 years.

Topic across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography. To take home; Invaluable topic hands-outs and toys or hand-made products. (07889 920 117 or *contact@littlevolcanoes.co.uk Facebook: Little Volcanoes Science 8www.littlevolcanoes.co.uk London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD) N2, N3, N8, N10, N20, N22 and coming soon to N17. Quality, fun and safety conscious gymnastics classes with fully trained, highly qualified coaches.

LAGAD run After School, Weekend Classes, Holiday Camps & Birthday Parties. In Muswell Hill, Crouch, East Finchley, Totteridge, Wood Green and coming soon to Tottenham. Classes for ages 3 ½ - 18 yrs. Beginner to Advanced. If you missed the fun when you were young, try Adult Ballet Classes in Muswell Hill. LAGAD aim to inspire and ignite a passion.

8www.lagad.co.uk *info@lagad.co.uk (07887 367 171

LANGUAGES & CHILD DEVELOPMENT Lingotots Muswell Hill North London Join our French and Spanish group classes tailored for babies, toddlers and children from 0-11 years old. We provide a range of age-specific term time classes where children are introduced to the fascinating sounds of a new language though our unique multi-sensory blend of music, movement and rhymes. These incorporate singing, dancing, stories, play and crafts, which instil confidence in languages in a fun environment. Holiday camps, private classes and School PPA Cover are available on request. Book your free trial: 8www.lingotot.com (0845 0680 8148 *MuswellHill@lingotot.com Spanish Courses (N10) for +7 in Muswell Hill. Spanish immersion classes on Wednesdays 4 to 5pm. Starting 11th Jan for 12 weeks. Small group. Activities include art & craft, music and games.

Total price £130. Also 1-2-1 lessons for teenagers and adults. Call Carolina on (07985 171 789 or go to 8www.spanishlanguagetuition.com

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Colourstrings – for a brilliant start in music! Call (020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email *admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk 8www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk The Strings Club (NW3 & N1) Enhance your child’s development through our award-winning Term-Time courses for children aged 4 to 11. Bespoke sessions designed and delivered by the best musicians in the UK. Will inspire your child’s love of music and promote allround musicianship. Delivered in small groups, starting from only £15 per lesson.

(01212 969 204 8www.thestringsclub.org/northlondon familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities SPORTS AND EXERCISE Danny Grant Soccer School offers actionpacked football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Nonstop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches.

7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches. Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable.

Call (020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Enjoy-a-ball The sports coach program that helps today’s children become confident adults. A child-development centred program rather than purely sports. Children from 2 years to 9 years old. (03334 330 845 (07763 746 886 *northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com 8www.enjoy-a-ball.com Gojumpin (EN1) Interconnecting trampolines for free jumping, foam pits, tumble tracks, battle beams and more.

Under 5s have their own area devoted to them. Also, birthday parties, school and group events, free running classes, fitness classes, teen nights, toddler classes and other special events and sessions throughout the year.

8www.gojumpin.com/enfield/ Kiddikicks (NW1, N16, NW6, W9) Football Coaching for children 18 months to 10 years old (020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable

Little Kickers Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes.

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet: Julia Levene (020 8201 1084 *jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk.

North Finchley, Southgate, Enfield town, Enfield St Lukes: Emma Hanna (020 7684 7969 *ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk 8www.littlekickers.co.uk Rising Stars Football Club (N2 + NW2) High quality football coaching in a safe and fun environment. Children will learn and develop core football skills to ensure that they progress and fulfil their potential. We offer a boys and girls only football club! Age: Pre Reception – Year 6.

Book now (020 8150 6655 *info@risingstarsactivities.com Sports Academy UK (N8, NW7 & TW10) provide 4-16 year olds with an exciting and educational activity program at weekends, during term time. Encouraging and developing young people to grow both as athletes and individuals. Summer camps also available. Call Grant Felix on (08000 428 842 or see the website for more information: 8www.sportsacademyuk.com

SWIMMING Swimming Rocks is a premier swimming lesson provider offering lessons to babies, children and adults in 7 venues across London. Recognised as one of the leading swimming tuition company’s delivering progressive swimming lessons with a strong reputation based on effortless service and employing some of the most experienced swimming instructors in London. Term time and holiday crash courses. Lessons 7 days a week. Private and shared lessons and small groups for babies.

8www.swimmingrocks.co.uk *Info@swimmingrocks.co.uk (07557 051 904 Tiny Swimmers (N3, N4, N7, EN5) Swimming courses are based on a rolling 10-week progressive programme. Baby, Toddler, Entry level and 1to1. Join at any stage through the school term.

Structured classes with a different focus each week. Classes teach safety in and around the pool whilst gaining water confidence in a fun, safe and nurturing environment.

Email *info@tinyswimmers.co.uk or call (020 8351 4413 8www.tinyswimmers.co.uk

Continued on page 10

SPORTS ACADEMY UK

For Boys & Girls Aged 4-16yrs LITTLE SPORTIES for Enjoy 18 Sports A Year 4&5 years is a

90-minute class. We coach two sports each week plus fun Classes at: Mill Hill (Sat AM) & games in a safe Classes at: Crouch End (Sat PM) and secure environment.

MAIN SCHOOL for 6-16 years is a 3-hour class where our students train T: 08000 248 842 M: 07764 211489 weekly with our team of qualified WWW.SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM coaches. Each week we coach 2 sports grant@sportsacademyuk.com and a team CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED challenge.

ENROL NOW

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Families North London 9

Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

DANCE

Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk

A&F Chantraine, The Dance of Expression (South & West Hampstead) for all those who love to dance! Welcoming new and old pupils/ children from 5 years to teenagers are introduced to an exciting new year of dance with a friendly and creative approach. All main styles – classical – contemporary – jazz. Contact: Patricia on (020 7435 4247 or *patricia.woodall194@gmail.com

Holiday Academy is a children’s day camp in NW1, for children aged 3-12 (in age groups) from all schools. Go along for exciting sessions including music, drama, art, sport and forest school each school holiday. Sessions run over the Winter Holidays from 18-22 Dec and 12-16 Feb half term at Cavendish School.

(07585 002 327 *ruth@holidayacademy.co.uk 8www.holidayacademy.co.uk Perform Weekly drama, dance and singing. Ages: 4-12. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Small classes and lots of individual attention. No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers. [N1, N2, N4, N5, N6, N8, N10, N11, N12, N14, N16, N20, N21, NW1, NW3, NW5, NW7, NW8, NW11, EN5 and HA8] (020 7255 9120 *enquiries@perform.org.uk 8www.perform.org.uk/try Young Actors Theatre (N1) are offering free trial classes for new comers.

Experience first-hand and feel the family atmosphere before enrolling. A diverse range of group classes to join: acting – Explore acting exercises, get the skills and have fun; Musical theatre: learn a song from musical theatre, pop and rock; Dance: follow choreography and move to the music; Performance: Discover all aspects of performance and put on a play. (020 7278 2101 *info@youngactors.org.uk 8www.youngactors.org.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence.

Two week trial available. For 3-18 yearolds. 8www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

10 Families North London

London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD) N2, N3, N8, N10, N20, N22 and coming soon to N17. Quality, fun and safety conscious gymnastics classes with fully trained, highly qualified coaches.

LAGAD run After School, Weekend Classes, Holiday Camps & Birthday Parties. In Muswell Hill, Crouch, East Finchley, Totteridge, Wood Green and coming soon to Tottenham. Classes for ages 3 ½ - 18 yrs. Beginner to Advanced. If you missed the fun when you were young, try Adult Ballet Classes in Muswell Hill. LAGAD aim to inspire and ignite a passion.

8www.lagad.co.uk *info@lagad.co.uk (07887 367 171 Saturday Morning Ballet For little feet that love to dance. A gentle and fun introduction to ballet for children aged 2-5 years. Qualified teacher with 10 years’ experience. Small classes in Gillette Square studio space. call Sam on (07880 956 690 or *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB / EDUCATION Bilingual Nurseries (N1) French/English Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery is a small private nursery in the heart of Islington, offering Montessori education and a bilingual environment, coupled with extended day care for children aged 1-4 years. We have only 24 children, and 6 members of staff. The nursery is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday for 47 weeks of the year. (020 7099 0452 8www.bilingualnurseries.com Explore Learning – Award-winning tuition with a difference. With over 120 centres across the UK, head online to find your nearest centre. (01483 447 414 to book your free trial session today.

8www.explorelearning.co.uk

Leaders are Readers award-winning reading programme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped more than 3500 children from 3+ to 13 years old, for over 17 years, with a 90% pass rate for children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools. Saturday School for the Autumn term enrolling now. Free Saturday School presentations on 11, 18 & 25 Nov and 2, 9 Dec at St Andrews’s CE Primary School 297 Chase Road, Southgate N14 6JA Free assessment on open days. Call: (01992 651 300 8www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Fleet Tutors Run a 5-day or 3-day small group preparation small group preparation courses for 11+ or 13+ entrance exams. These are run by highly successful Maths, English, Verbal reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning during the week, with students sitting mock exam papers.

Call (08456 445 452 or go to 8www.fleet-tutors.co.uk JK Educate provide educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children 7 +, 11+, 13+ to GCSE’s and A levels. Help your child achieve the result they deserve.

8www.jkeducate.co.uk Little Volcanoes Science Club and Birthday Parties A unique combination of science experiments and hands-on sensory acitvities with drama and singing.

Learn while having fun! Ages 4-8 years.

Topic across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography. To take home; Invaluable topic hands-outs and toys or hand-made products. (07889 920 117 or *contact@littlevolcanoes.co.uk Facebook: Little Volcanoes Science 8www.littlevolcanoes.co.uk SDE Finchley Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses for over 25 years. The classes are taught by a qualified KS2 teacher and prepare Year 4 & 5 students for both CEM and GL Assessment tests (and is therefore suitable preparation for Henrietta Barnett (Stage 1), Latymer, SW Herts Consortium, QE Boys and other counties such as Bucks and Berks).

(020 3551 5099 8www.sde11plus.com/courses *wbarns@sde11plus.com

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Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities Teachers Teach Education centre (EN1 EN2 N9 EN3 EN7 N21) Offers professional tuition by qualified teachers. They teach students from reception age through to those studying for A-Levels covering: SATs, 11+ & Entrance exams, GCSEs, A-LEVELs - as well as mock exams and informal school tests. OFSTED registered. (Use childcare vouchers or claim Childcare tax credits) Call (020 8363 5008 8www.teachersteachenfield.co.uk *info@teachersteachenfield.co.uk

Top Tutors Excellent specialist tutors with full background checks. Primary, 11+, GCSE, A Level, degree, special needs including dyslexia. Help with revision and exam techniques to calm nerves and build confidence, preventing last minute panic. Covering London and the home counties.

Call (020 8349 2148 or visit 8www.toptutors.co.uk

Inspire your child through music

HILD THRO UR C UG YO

USIC HM

INSP IRE

Award winning, Ofsted registered Holiday Camps and Term Time courses for children aged 4-11 in Hampstead and Islington

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Quote FAMILIESNL2017 for up to 10% off! thestringsclub.org/northlondon | 0121 296 9204

English Maths Science Childcare Vouchers & Working Tax Credits accepted

• All Ages • Qualified Teachers • OFSTED Registered ENFIELD

020 8363 5008 GCSEs A-LEVELS SATs 11+

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Families North London 11

Getting Ready for the Holiday Season Not in the festive mood yet? Here are some great ideas to get in the festive mood with the whole family. contributor: Claire Winter • Go Ice-skating. Check out your local outdoor rink at the Winter Wonderland at Crews Hill, Enfield (www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk) or make a special trip to the Tower of London (www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk). There are also pop-up rinks at Canary Wharf, the Natural History Museum and Hampton Court, which are open right through till February next year.

• Go and see the Christmas lights. If you’re on budget this a great way to get into the festive spirit without having to spend a fortune. Most towns and cities also have a festive switch-on, where a local celebrity or panto star turns on the lights and there is usually some free entertainment. Check out the festivities on Heath Street and High Street, Hampstead on Sun 29 Nov and St James Square, Muswell Hill on Sat 9 Dec. • Help others. Find out what your local food bank needs at Christmas time.

Maybe they are collecting stocking fillers for children or need extra festive food. Get your children to think of someone locally who might like a visit or some extra help during the Christmas period.

Help Your Child Discover The Joy of Music Christmas is coming and musical instruments remain popular choices for special gifts under the tree. But where do parent/guardians start when considering what to buy? And how do you make sure your child gets the most from their wonderful new gift? Amy, director at The Strings Club, an award-winning music education company, offers some great advice for anyone looking for an inspirational musical gift this festive season: Choose an instrument to suit your child’s age. For children aged 4 or 5 we know from experience ukulele and violin are perfect because they are small and light. Make sure it is the right size and good quality! Be careful when buying an instrument online. We’d recommend visiting your friendly local music shop to try out some instruments. Don’t forget to accessorise! You will need things like a tuner, violin rosin, cases for ukulele/guitar. Support your child. Learn how to tune the instrument - this is a hard thing for children to master and will boost your listening pleasure! Practice makes perfect! Weekly music lessons will help turn their new gift into an amazing skill for life.

The Strings Club’s Spring Term Time Classes start Saturday 13th January, from 9.30am, and priced from only £15 per lesson.

Have any questions about instruments and courses or want to book? Give The Strings Club a call on 0121 296 9204 or go to thestringsclub.org/termtime.

Get Your Christmas Cards Sorted Early Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via: www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/christmas-cards

Pick your Own Tree!

Christmas isn’t Christmas until you’ve chosen your tree. Our experts (wearing kilts!) will be on hand to give advice at our new stores in Upper Holloway, Regents Park, Clissold Park & Camden Gardens from the 24th Nov, So pay us a visit and let us get the festivities well and truly under way.

It’s a great family day out and we even have a delivery service from our stores between 7pm-10pm to local postcodes for an extra cost. It couldn’t be easier! Our stores are re-stocked every morning with dozens of trees, freshly cut and delivered straight from our plantations. You won’t get fresher, fuller or more fabulous trees anywhere else!

USE CODE : FAM17 to get your free gift with purchase More Details on Locations: www.pinesandneedles.com/christmas-tree-stores 12 Families North London

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†Gift Guide¢ Whether you’re looking for toys designed with tough toddler play in mind, to encourage coordination and imaginative play, or to find your inner unicorn, there’s something for everyone.

Hatchimals Egg Surprise Hatchimals are magical creatures that come inside eggs and they need you to help them hatch. Take care of them and keep them warm and happy!

Ages 5+.

RRP £74.99

Cat Buildin’ Crew E-Z Machines® R/C You are never too young to start playing with a Remote-Control vehicle. Designed for toddlers, the single button activation allows the child to drive the Cat machine forward when pressing the button or watch it spin in circles when released. There are 2 fun characters to collect including; Haulin’ Harry™ and Rugged Randy™. Ages 2+ RRP £16.99 www.toystate.com

Marvel Web Wheelie™ RC Enjoy the thrill of action at high speed! Show off Spider-Man’s impressive moves like popping a wheelie, 360-degree stunt spins and even light up the rear wheels while driving! Your Spidey senses will be tingling all over! Ages 3+ RRP £49.99 www.toystate.com

Hamleys Bakewell Bear At 110cm tall, the ultimate teddy bear, ready for cuddles.

You’re never too big for a bear like this!

Ages 1+.

RRP £140

Cycling Paddington Fairy Snakes and Ladders & Ludo Traditional favourites are given an exciting, magical twist in Fairy Snakes and Ladders & Ludo. Players must race to the enchanted treehouse in Fairy Snakes & Ladders, or turn the board over and gather counters at the fairy ring in the magical game of Ludo. Children aged 5-9 will love the colourful illustrations of friendly fairies and unicorns!

RRP £9.50 www.orchardtoys.co.uk

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There are plenty of fun and adventures to be had with the 35cm Cycling Paddington Bear as he cycles around on his red bicycle to a catchy tune.

Ages 3+.

RRP £29.99

Selected lines, subject to availability in store and online www.hamleys.com

Families North London 13

Pantos & Seasonal Shows

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Tue 5 - Sun 31 Dec - The Tiger Who Came to Tea A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. Direct from a smash-hit West End season. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! The teaguzzling tiger is back in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! Ages 3+ Tue 12 - Sun 31 Dec - Hush-A-Bye Nestle among branches and meet the neighbours in Oily Cart’s immersive tree-top world. The leafy canopy is home to some of the creatures you might expect, and one you definitely won’t. Experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a woodland wonderland, the audience must explore to find answers. Hush-A-Bye is an interactive, multi-sensory production for the very young, with live music, puppets and an enchanting environment. Ages 3-5 yrs

The Gruffalo’s Child Live, Lyric Theatre

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 12 Nov - Leaf Go along and hear the life story of a very special leaf in this warm, intimate and playful new piece for under 3s, inspired by nature and the seasons. Framed within an evocative soundscape, this is the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young. At the end of the performance, children are invited onto the stage to play among the leaves and explore a landscape created by the changing seasons. Ages 0-3 yrs Sun 19 Nov - Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids! Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between!

Expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable, but do not dare miss the unmissable Morgan & West! Can everyone’s favourite duo of deception finally find fame, fortune, and a box of fondant fancies? Find out all of this and more in Morgan & West: More Magic For Kids! Ages 5+ Mon 20 - Fri 24 Nov - Shakespeare Schools Festival Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at artsdepot. Whether you are a parent, friend or another local school, you are invited to an exhilarating evening of theatre where you will see Shakespeare’s stories brought to life like never before. In the celebratory finale of their Festival journey, 30,000 young people from primary, secondary and special schools across the country will unite in their local professional theatre in thrilling performance evenings. It promises to be the most exciting Festival yet!

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com Sat 16 Dec - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Cracker Don’t miss this fun, festive favourite, featuring West End singers Graham Bickley and Anna-Jane Casey, hit Christmas songs, best-loved carols and plenty of joy and sparkle!Programme to include: I Believe In Father Christmas, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), I’ll Be Home For Christmas, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Last Christmas, All I Want For Christmas, Let It Snow, A Christmas Festival, A Christmas Overture, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells… and many more!

Wed 20 Dec - The Snowman and Carnival of the Animals Give the whole family a magical Christmas treat as The Snowman is shown on the big screen while the Mozart Symphony Orchestra provides a live soundtrack.

Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals will be performed with lots of extras and fun surprises including poetry by Ogden Nash and others, terrible Christmas jokes from the conductor’s podium and wonderful cartoon animations projected onto a screen above the orchestra. Ages 4+ Thu 21 Dec - Father Christmas and Peter and the Wolf Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas is brought to life this Christmas on the big screen with live orchestral accompaniment from the Mozart Symphony Orchestra and actors providing the dialogue and sound effects. Prokofiev’s chilling tale of one small boy’s bravery against a wild wolf has thrilled generations of children and is the ideal way to introduce young people to orchestral music. The perfect Christmas treat! Ages 4+

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov - The Night Before Christmas On the night before Christmas, Emily stares out of the window, hugs her teddy and waits excitedly for the morning, while in the corner a little mouse called Eddie can’t understand why only humans are allowed to get presents. So he sets off in search of Father Christmas to find out for himself. Ages 3+

Wed 22 Nov – Sat 6 Jan - Rapunzel Chickenshed is delighted to present Rapunzel in a new and exciting musical version of the well-loved fairy tale. Mysterious, romantic and life-affirming, this will be a dramatic retelling of a story you thought you knew! Featuring Chickenshed’s famously large and amazingly diverse cast, this magical, musical and mysterious version of Rapunzel will dazzle and delight children and adults alike. Ages 5+

Wed 29 Nov - Sun 3 Dec - Around the World in 80 Days The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in a race against the clock.

Ages 7+

Tue 5 – Sat 30 Dec - Christmas Tales Do you like puppets? Do you like funny characters? Do you like songs? Do you like dancing? Do you like Christmas? Then you are going to LOVE Christmas Tales! The Tales from the Shed team take all of their usual fun and silliness, then they supersize it to create a festive extravaganza guaranteed to entertain the very youngest audiences at this most wonderful time of the year! Ages 0-6yrs

14 Families North London

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Pantos & Seasonal Shows Cockpit Theatre Gateforth Street, London, NW8 020 7258 2925 www.thecockpit.org.uk Fri 10 – Sat 11 Nov - Odysseus Plastok An odyssey about damaging the environment. Born out of a plastic bag, Odysseus Plastok, swept away by the winds and the sea’s currents find out who he is through different encounters.This madly exhilarating ode to the protection of oceans is a committed play that makes us reflect Ages 6+.

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Nov - OOups! An original performance combining circus (acrobatics, juggling) and urban culture (dance, beat boxing). Two traders are on the run after a misappropriation of funds… A crazy, nutty show with an unbridled rhythm, that talks about money in a humorous, musical and visual way.

Dugdale Theatre 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 020 8807 6680 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk Sat 2 Dec - Christmas with Children’s International Voices of Enfield No Christmas is complete without carols by John Rutter and the Children’s International Voices of Enfield. Join the angelic voices of our choirs as they sing favourite Carols and Hymns together! They will tackle excerpts from ‘Wassail’ a new fun work by Alexander L’Estrange and sequences from Handel’s ‘Messiah’, joined by Enfield oboist Joel Wilson and other musical guests. These concerts will be a special opportunity for Enfield residents to come together and enjoy some fantastic Christmas music.

Sat 9 Dec - Christmas Tales An amazingly fun and festive show from the creative team behind the hugely popular Tales from the Shed. Get ready for a full-on family Talesomime (a pantomime starring all the favourite Tales characters) - it’s going to be high energy, interactive and brilliantly entertaining... Oh no, it’s not! Oh yes, it is! So take your little ones to The Dugdale this festive season and Can-Can, The Thing That Goes Blurgh and the Tales team will be right ‘behind you’! Ages 0-6yrs Sat 16 Dec - Starlight Express Starlight Express is a nine year old boy’s dream. In his dream, his toy trains come to life for a spectacular race across America. The competition between steam, electric and diesel engines is fast and fierce with entries from Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and the U.S.A, and then there’s the underdog Rusty, a small steam engine with a heart of gold, but who will win the race?? Join the characters in this magical musical performed entirely on Roller Skates!

Half Moon Theatre 43 White Horse Road, London E1 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk Sat 11 Nov - Twinkle Twinkle There are melodies that live in all of us. No one knows that more than Marty the puppy, whose bedtime songs and playtime with his dad are the best part of his day. But sometimes, you have to learn how to find the music inside yourself. Twinkle Twinkle is a beautiful adventure in music and light, featuring brilliant puppetry, magical interaction and a gorgeous original score. Ages 1-3 yrs

Sat 18 Nov - The Steadfast Tin Soldier There once was a remarkable tin soldier who fell in love with a beautiful paper dancer and then tumbled out of a window, so beginning a perilous journey into the unknown. This playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s poetic story uses light, projected animations and simple materials that are skilfully transformed through puppetry to create a theatrical experience that will engage and touch young hearts and minds. Ages 3+ Fri 24 – Sat 25 Nov - Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Furry Tails Our Storyteller is on the run from those three-headed monsters, trying to bring you the most fantastic tales from the Magic Land of Three. Are you really sure what happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? What about Goldilocks? Why was she walking in those woods? And as for the three Billy Goats Gruff, how did they really deal with that troll? All will be revealed in this beautiful show using puppets and props. Age Range: 3+ Sat 9 Dec - Penguin Ben is delighted when he rips open his present, inside is a penguin. “Hello Penguin!” says Ben. Penguin says nothing. Ben tickles Penguin; he pulls his funniest face; he puts on a happy hat; sings a silly song and does a dizzy dance. Penguin says nothing. So Ben fires Penguin into outer space. Penguin comes back to earth without a word! It isn’t until a passing lion intervenes that Penguin finally speaks and when he does, Ben discovers something that was really worth the wait. Based on the award-winning book by Polly Dunbar, Penguin is exciting, surreal and full of surprises, with lively songs by Tom Gray, of Gomez. Ages 3+ Sat 16 Dec - Fairytales Gone Bad: Grannylocks / The Monstrous Duckling Join performance poet Joseph Coelho, National Poetry Day Ambassador, as he unravels familiar fairytales to create fresh contemporary classics in an enchanting performance for young and old alike. A father returns home with a magical cloak. A cloak that hides a story… Did you know that the ugly duckling was never ugly? He was truly monstrous! Or that Goldilocks was never a tale about a little girl. It was always a tale about a granny – a mean, thieving granny who has plans for something quite nasty. Join the poetic storyteller as he unwinds the true stories behind the happily ever afters and discover they’re maybe not as charming as you remember! Ages 3+

Jacksons Lane 269a Archway Road, London, N6 020 8341 4421 www.jacksonslane.org.uk Sun 26 Nov - Ugly Duckling Meet the most unusual duckling the pond has ever seen. In their nest at the edge of a pond, the baby ducklings wait impatiently for Mummy’s enormous egg to hatch. But their new brother doesn’t look like everyone else. He doesn’t even quack like a proper duckling! With a menagerie of mischievous animals, tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal bring to life Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known tale.

Ages 3+ Sat 2 – Sun 24 Dec - Underneath a Magical Moon A reimagining of Peter Pan, as told by Wendy Darling... Do you believe in fairies? Through her open window, Wendy Darling sees blue lagoons and magical moons in the night sky. And tonight, her story takes flight… Leading playwright Mike Kenny reimagines the enchanting story of Peter Pan through Wendy’s eyes in this sparkling new production. Music, movement and a sprinkle of tutti frutti magic will enthral children and their families as the power of imagination gives birth to a fantastical world of adventure. Ages 3+

HHHHH ‘Everything good children’s theatre should be’ The List

22 NOV 2017 7 JAN 2018 gruffaloschildlive.com familiesonline.co.uk

The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 – Macmillan Children’s Books

ADAPTED FROM JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER’S AWARD-WINNING PICTURE BOOK

Families North London 15

Pantos & Seasonal Shows Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com Fri 10 Nov – Sun 4 Feb – Go Noah Go! A Great Flood is coming and Mr and Mrs Noah have been set the most impossible task: to take two of each animal and build them a home! A magical ark that is built on stage, over 50 carved animals and a host of songs to sing along with make this production one of Little Angel Theatre’s most successful and impressive shows. John Agard’s stunning Caribbean adaptation of this timeless story, combining puppetry, masks, stories and songs returns for another thrilling season that will enthral the entire family. Ages 5 – 10 yrs

Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com Wed 22 Nov – Sun 7 Jan – The Gruffalo’s Child Live Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s monstrous West End success comes Tall Stories’ much anticipated sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

Expect 55 minutes of magical, musical fun for families with children aged 3 and up.

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Nov – Great Odds Exploring ambition, communication and friendship, the story follows the Great Odds; Marco, Grouch and Jewels, on an exciting and sometimes wobbly journey… Dreams change shape, unexpected things are uncovered and success comes through surprising discoveries. Integrating visual storytelling, British Sign Language, live music, sound and puppetry, Mac’s Arcadian presents Great Odds, its first play, in co- production with Lighthouse Poole, supported by Improbable.

Ages 6 to 11.

Millfield Theatre

Fri 17 Nov – Sun 4 Feb - Sleepyhead It’s been a long day for Dad and he can hardly keep his eyes open. All he wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shut-eye too. Dad’s usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas… As soon as Dad’s out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat, and when his friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin! Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs!

Ages 2 – 5 yrs

Thu 23 Nov – Sun 31 Dec - Jack & the Beanstalk Fe Fi Fo Fum, I smell a Pantomime in Edmonton! Join Jack and his mum, Dame Dottie Trott as they face the dastadly, Fleshcreep. Meet Jill, add the craziness of Simple Simon, the magic of Fairy Deluxe, Buttercup the cow, Henrietta Hen and you have all the ingredients for another fun packed Millfield Pantomime!

Unmissable entertainment is guaranteed in a show packed with special effects, stunning costumes, beautiful scenery and, of course, lots of comedy that will have the whole family laughing along from beginning to end.

Silver Street, London, N18 020 8807 6680 www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk

Fri 1 – Sun 24 Dec – Santa’s Little Workshop Ever wanted to be an elf for a day? Put on your best elf outfit, get into the festive spirit and turn up for your first day of work at Santa’s Little Workshop! Start your experience by seeing ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, brought to life with a touch of magic and sparkle in the Little Elf Cinema. Then enjoy crafty festive puppet making on the elf production line. You’ll even get a chance to meet “The Boss”, our very own puppet Santa. Ages 3-9 yrs

16 Families North London

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Families North London 17

Where’s Santa?

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiles several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

You better watch out!

You better not cry…

Yes it’s that time of year where again where young and old alike look forward to sitting down with the jolly old man for a chat about wishes and wants.

Call him what you will - Father Christmas, Santa, Pere Noel – a visit with him is part of the magic and tradition that makes this time of year so special for families!

Now, you just need to decide which ones (and how many) you will make part of your Christmas story this year! Here’s our list of some of the best choices for North London Families…

Brent Cross Shopping Centre (NW4) 16 Nov24 Dec: Santa’s a modern man these days.

And he’s got the technology to prove it. This year Santa returns to Brent Cross with a new immersive 360° digital experience. The grotto is now fully booked, however there may be walk up slots available. Visit the grotto staff in centre to enquire. 8www.brentcross.co.uk/grotto Christmas Wonderland (EN2) A warm welcome to Christmas Wonderland London! For over 15 years “Christmas Wonderland” in Crews Hill, Enfield, London has brought delight to thousands of smiling children and they invite you and your family to join in this year upon the “Santa’s Express”—no booking required!

Departing from the North Pole Station you will journey deep into Christmas Wonderland to meet Santa Claus! Open from 10th November.

8www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk King Henry’s Walk (N1) You will find Santa handing out gifts to children from his grotto in the woodland at King Henry’s Walk Garden Winter Fayre on Sat 9th Dec. Other festive activities will include roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies, wreath making, crafts stalls and preserves, children’s games and tombola. Entry to the garden and a visit to St Nicholas is free. 11am-3pm.

8www.khwgarden.org.uk Lauderdale House (N6) ‘Santa in the House’ on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th December. Santa will be flying in for a weekend meeting and treating the children of North London! Go along and meet him and find out about the reindeer … and, of course, leave with a present! Advance booking advisable.

8www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk Santa to your Door Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline on (020 8959 1045 / (07969 121 094 or *info@adamantsparties.co.uk 18 Families North London

The Broadwalk Centre Edgware The Mall Wood Green (N22) As before, £1 of every sale will go to The Mall’s Charity of the Year, which is Mind in Haringey. Open from Sat 25 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Mon to Sat 12pm – 6pm & Sun 11am – 5pm. The Mall will also be working with The Rainbow Trust to deliver a Gift Wrapping Service. They will be coming in 10am – 4pm on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December. For a £2 donation, people will be able to have their presents wrapped by volunteers from the charity. To book visit the website: 8www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/woodgreen Wyevale Garden Centre, Enfield (EN2) From 18th November - 24th December take your Little Diggers along and enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast or tea! The whole family meets Santa, children decorate a festive biscuit and then choose their very own present to take home!

8www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfastor-tea-with-father-christmas ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Throughout every weekend in December and the final week leading up to Christmas, visitors can book to Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo as an extra wintery treat. Join in arts and crafts with Mrs Claus and chat with cheeky elves before heading into Santa’s grotto to meet the main man himself and receive an early Christmas gift.

9th, 10th & 16th-24th December. 8www.zsl.org

Further Afield The Broadwalk Centre Edgware (HA8) A special workshop creating life-size Christmas grotto themed items from recycled items in preparation of Santa’s arrival to the centre.

Santa will be making a special appearance to the centre and will be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. Sat 16 Dec, 12pm to 4pm & Thu 21 Dec – Sun 24 Dec, 12pm to 4pm. 8www.thebroadwalkcentre.co.uk Hamleys Toy Shop (W1B) Open from 25th November – 24th December, join Father Christmas and his lovable elves at The Finest Toy Shop in the World for fun, magic and theatre at this very special time of year.

Meeting Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extra special experience where children will take part in seasonal activities, enjoy delicious snacks, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home.

8www.hamleys.com Hyde Park (W2) See your little ones’ faces light up as they enter the home of Santa. With plenty of eateries, rides for the little ones and Santa in his grotto, it is a magical place for the children and is open from 17th November to 1st January. Visit Santa’s Toy Factory fun house where Santa and his elves are making gifts ready for the big day.

8www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Leicester Square (WC2H) Christmas in Leicester Square will transform the centre of bustling London into a wonderland including traditional Christmas markets with hand-crafted goods and delicious food and drinks, and a Santa’s Grotto where children will be able to meet the man himself. From 10th Nov – 7th Jan. 8www.christmasinleicestersquare.com Magical Lantern Festival London (W4) This year’s Christmas themed Lantern Festival will illuminate the gardens at Chiswick House from Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, turning it into a spectacular fusion of dual culture, vibrant colours and artistic sculptures! Prepare to enter a magical experience and discover life-sized and large-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, including ‘Santa and his Reindeers’. There will also be a food and drink area, bar, Santa’s Grotto, handful of fairground rides for children and merchandise marquee.

8www.magicallantern.uk Museum of London Docklands (E14) Visit the Victorian Santa’s Grotto on Sat 2 & Sun 3, Fri 8, Sat 9, Sun 10, Fri 15 – Sat 23 December.

Join Santa in the Victorian Walk – a life size recreation of a Victorian London street. Each child who meets Santa receives a special gift, with the option of purchasing a photograph of the magical moment to take home.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands/ Portobello Winter Festival (W10) This unique festive celebration at Acklam Road in Portobello on Sat 9th and Sun 10th Dec will see music fill the air as families celebrate and shoppers pick up gifts unavailable anywhere else. Among the activities taking place will be festive street performances, Santa’s Grotto, food, drink and more. 8www.westway.org/winterfestival WWT London Wetland Centre (SW13) From 2nd-3rd December get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland Centre’s wonderful winter weekend. Children will be thrilled to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride and visit Santa in his magical grotto. Head over to their northern pine forest; Father Christmas will be ready to welcome families in his cosy grotto among the trees (tickets to see Santa must be pre-booked).

8www.wwt.org.uk/london Winterville (SW4) This Christmas a magical town will spring up on Clapham Common, offering you a completely different festive experience. Glide across the outdoor Ice Rink or skate around the Roller Disco. Take your kids to the Fairground and ride the Big Wheel. Try out Plonk Golf or lose yourself in Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden. 8www.winterville.co.uk

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Ice Rinks

Hampton Court Palace Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiles several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Get your skates on!

Whether an ‘old pro’ or new to the sport, ice skating is a great family activity for a bit of fresh air and winter fun - and North London families are spoilt for choice of venues! Try one or try them all, but don’t delay as they are only here for a short time.

Thu 26 Oct – Sun 7 Jan – Natural History Museum Ice Rink (SW7) Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be this winter. Experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows in the air. Whether you can dance on ice like Torvill and Dean, or you skate more like Bambi, a visit to the Museum’s Ice Rink is a must this festive season. 8www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 4 Nov – Sun 14 Jan – Royal Pavilion Ice Rink (BN1) The most beautiful rink in the South East, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open to the public this season from Nov 4 – Jan 14. Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly... all topped off with beautiful food in the rinkside bar and restaurant. 8www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

Thu 23 Nov onwards – Winterville (SW4) This Christmas a magical town will spring up on Clapham Common, offering you a completely different festive experience. Glide across the outdoor Ice Rink or skate around the Roller Disco. Take your kids to the Fairground and ride the Big Wheel. Try out Plonk Golf or lose yourself in Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden.

8www.winterville.co.uk Sun 3 Dec – Sun 14 Jan – JW3 Ice Rink (NW3) JW3’s ice rink returns for it’s 5th year! With a skating area of 200m2, skaters can enjoy special events, glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. For those who aren’t as steady on the ice, the helpful penguin stabilisers will be available and for less confident little ones, they can still have fun on the seated banana toboggans. 8www.jw3.org.uk

Sat 4 Nov – Sat 24 Feb – Ice Rink Canary Wharf (E14) In November, the spectacular outdoor ice rink will be back up and running for 16 magical weeks of ice skating in the picturesque surroundings of Canada Square Park. Back by popular demand, the serene skate path leads you on a new route this year underneath the park’s enchanting canopy of trees. If you want to eat, drink and shop all in one go, Canary Wharf is the spot.

Stay close to the action at the rink-side bar, or choose from the array of restaurants, bars, and shops surrounding the ice rink.

8www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Fri 10 Nov – Sun 24 Dec - Christmas Wonderland at Crews Hill, Enfield (EN2) After you have taken the train to meet Santa and his real reindeer at Christmas Wonderland, London, you’ll get the chance to experience the giant snow globe and get your skates on at the new indoor skating rink!

8www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk Wed 15 Nov – Sun 14 Jan - Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason (WC2R) Overlooked by a beautifully decorated 40ft. Christmas tree, families can enjoy the perfect day out in the neoclassical surroundings of Somerset House. Under-eights can enjoy polar bear skating aids designed especially for Somerset House, with the Polar Cub Club offering guidance from NISA (National Ice Skating Association) for little ones taking their first steps on the ice. For parents looking to improve their skating skills, Skate School will offer single lesson and courses with NISA accredited instructors. Additionally, for skaters and non-skaters alike, the rink-side Skate Lounge offers a selection of hot drinks, mince pies and excellent views over the ice. 8www.somersethouse.org.uk Fri 17 Nov – Tue 2 Jan - Tower of London Ice Rink (EC3N) Ice skate at the Tower of London - one of the capital’s most iconic historical landmarks!

The Tower of London Ice Rink allows you to glide around the famous moat for an unforgettable festive experience. Evening sessions are illuminated by hundreds of snowflakes on the castle walls, while an early morning session, new for this year, is perfect for little skaters. A huge Christmas tree adds to the magical atmosphere and there’s pop-up food and drink too.

8www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk Fri 17 Nov – Mon 1 Jan – Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland (W2) The ice rink is the largest open air ice rink in the UK, set around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand under a canopy of sparkling lights. Open from 10am – 10pm, stretch out and practise your skating moves during a crisp morning skate. Enjoy the afternoon sun as it glistens on the ice, soak up the romantic atmosphere at twilight, or skate after dark under the stars.

8www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

familiesonline.co.uk

SKATE

LONDON’S MOST

DRAMATIC ICE RINK

Skate the Moat at the Tower of London this Christmas.

17 November – 2 January Book online now. Limited places available.

www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk

Families North London 19

What’s On

Listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade, Sun 19 Nov

25 Oct onwards - Backyard Cinema presents The Snow Kingdom (SE1) Backyard Cinema present the Snow Kingdom this winter, where ticket holders will enter an adventure into the fantasy realm at Backyard Cinema’s permanent home of Mercato Metropolitano in Borough. The Snow Kingdom is set in an enchanted castle, and adventurers will enter through a secret entrance at the foot of the mountain and venture though an ice cave across a frozen lake! Once inside the grand ballroom, relax on giant beanbags and enjoy potion themed cocktails before settling under a blanket to watch a favourite movie.

8www.backyardcinema.co.uk

November Wed 8 Nov - Remembrance: An Evening of Spoken Word (SW3) Go along to the National Army Museum at 6pm for an evening of poetry and spoken word to mark the Remembrance period with performances from some special guests.

There will be performances from local school children, special guests, and an open mic session for visitors to share their own responses. If you’re new to poetry and spoken word, drop in to one of the writing workshops running throughout the evening. 8www.nam.ac.uk Thu 9 Nov - A Challenge of Ice and Fire (NW1) ZSL London Zoo is encouraging brave challengers to embrace their inner wildling and prowl barefoot across fire and ice to help protect wildlife. The Walk of Fire and Ice will see fearless fundraisers tread barefoot across a path of burning 20 Families North London

coals or opt for an icy trek across broken glass. The fundraising event will see the roar-some challengers guided through a ‘Nothing is Impossible’ seminar to help them break through the fear as they step out into the heart of the Zoo to face what’s on the other side of the wall.

8www.zsl.org/firewalk Fri 10 – Sun 19 Nov - EFG London Jazz Festival 2017 (EC2Y) EFG London Jazz Festival, presented by Barbican Associate Producer Serious, celebrates its 25th year in 2017. Concert highlights include British vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson, joined by regular collaborator and pianist Pat Thomas performing under their collective alias Black Top. Also at the Barbican will be two giants of Cuban piano music Chucho Valdés and Gonzalo Rubalcaba in a rare joint performance. 8www.barbican.org.uk Sat 11 Nov - Enfield NCT Nearly New Sale (EN2) Clear out clutter before Christmas and grab a bargain! Have a lot to get rid of? Why not have a clear out for Christmas and make some money - you get to keep 100% of what you earn on the day minus a small fee for the tables.

The sale takes place at Enfield Grammar Upper School, with early entry for NCT members from 10.30am (a whole half an hour extra shopping before it gets very busy!) Entry is £2 on the day but free entry to those volunteering on the day. All money raised will help local and national parents get support from the NCT. *Nns.enfield@nct.org.uk

Sat 11 Nov - Pyjama Party at Stratford Circus (E15) Take your pyjamas, your slippers and your favourite teddy for an exciting adventure in the oversized bedroom. After acrobatic bed-bouncing get ready for the magical story of the Moth and the Moon by night-light followed by a midnight feast and a cosy film. A fun-filled interactive experience with live music, dance, storytelling, play and even popcorn.

8www.stratford-circus.com Sat 11th Nov - Lord Mayors Show (EC2R) The 2017 Lord Mayor’s Show features events all day and many other family activities and special exhibitions will be laid on in the area. From the Lord Mayor’s arrival by river to the fireworks finale, the Lord Mayor’s Day is packed with spectacle. The River Pageant sets off from Westminster at 8.30am, and the Procession leaves Mansion House at 11am.

The firework display can be seen from the banks of the Thames at 5.15pm, with the launchpad between Blackfriars and Waterloo.

8www.thelordmayorsshow.london Sat 11 - Sun 12 Nov - Celebrate your City! (EC2Y) Get inspired by the digital technologies that shape how we live in the city at this weekend extravaganza of free family activities at the Museum of London. Expect digital workshops and demonstrations, craft activities, performances, tours and interactive storytelling. 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On The Globe Family Offer 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT Families can visit the Globe Exhibition and learn about Shakespeare's world and his plays through interactive activities and demonstrations. £10 Family tickets for a limited period.

Ages 4+ Visit the exhibition desk to buy tickets every day or call (020 7902 1599 for more information.

Wed 15 Nov – Sun 15 Apr - Ferrari Exhibition (W8) A major new exhibition at the Design Museum will commemorate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. The exhibition offers an insight into the life of Enzo Ferrari, unique cars and rarely seen documents. Key exhibits include rare personal memorabilia and archival material relating to Enzo Ferrari’s life, early cars, wind tunnel models and handsculpted models in both clay and wood.

8www.designmuseum.org Fri 17 Nov - Kids in Museums Takeover Day at the Geffrye (E2) Join pupils from a local primary school as they take over the Geffrye for the day, running activities for families and visitors. 10.30am - 12pm and 1 - 2.30pm.

8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Sat 18 Nov – Handmade Christmas Decoration Workshop (EN2) 1.00 – 3.30pm, Create a festive centrepiece using natural materials. Join us for a lovely relaxed autumn afternoon and make your own festive centrepiece. All materials are provided. The centrepiece is yours to take home. Tea and mince pie included.

Sat 18 Nov - The Inspiration Machine: A Creative Writing Workshop (E2) This playful workshop at the V&A Museum of Childhood is an opportunity to learn how famous (and infamous) writers use creative constraints, and to try some out for yourself. The workshop will be led by children’s authors Anna Kemp (Dogs don’t do ballet, The Worst Princess), and Sylvia Bishop (Erica’s Elephant, The Bookshop Girl). Suitable for aspiring writers, the curious, and the silly. A free event for ages 10+, booking required.

8www.beinghumanfestival.org.

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Nov - Archives weekend: Archive detectives (SW3) Discover some secrets from the archive at this family friendly workshop at the National Army Museum. Become a detective and uncover some artefacts and stories from the museum’s archives. Can you put all the pieces together to solve the puzzle?

Open all weekend, drop in from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm 8www.nam.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 18th Nov – Dawnosaurs (SW7) Dawnosaurs is a free event that lets children on the autism spectrum enjoy the Natural History Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.

Visitors have access to a wide-ranging programme of activities, including a chance to see, meet and even touch live animals. All activities are supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.

A dedicated Sensory Room will also be available for those children needing a quieter and calmer space. You can apply online three weeks before each event.

Spaces are in high demand, and priority will be given to first-time attendees.

8www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 18 Nov - Sun 28 Jan - Hogwarts in the Snow (WD25) 2017 will conclude with the return of the Studio Tour’s popular festive feature, Hogwarts in the Snow.

The festive makeover will see Christmas trees line the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room dressed for the season and a blanket of filmmaking snow covering the majestic Hogwarts castle model.

Visitors will even be able to touch samples of the different types of ‘snow’ used during production, each selected for its ability to float like falling snow, crunch under foot or glisten in the light like ice.

8www.wbstudiotour.co.uk Sat 18 Nov- Sun 19 Nov - Baby to Toddler Show (E16) Baby to Toddler Returns to London! Good news as Baby to Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents of children aged 0 to 4 is returning for a second year! Coming to the London ExCeL from 18th to 19th November, the two-day shopping event will partner with Peppermint where visitors will have access to exclusive offers and deals from some of the biggest brands and names you know and trust. A natural progression from the hugely popular Baby Show with a greater focus on toddlers and preschool children (but not forgetting babies too!), guests will also receive a free book worth up to £4.99 by Campbell Books upon arriving, whilst stocks last. The Kids Zone will make a return, to keep the kids entertained and the MAM Feeding Area will have everything needed to feed the attending tots, including bottle warmers, microwaves, bibs and more! Tickets are on sale now via babytotoddler.seetickets. com/event/baby-to-toddler-excel/excellondon/1132917. Early bird ticket is £6 until 1st October. Standard advance is £8 and on the door is £12. For more information on visiting Baby to Toddler please visit 8www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk Sunday 19th November - Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade (W1B) Hamleys, the Finest Toy Shop in the World, are bringing the magic of Christmas to Regent Street, which will be transformed in a trafficfree, all-day extravaganza for the biggest toy parade the city has ever seen!

Starts at 11am. Arrive early as the street will be closed for access when viewing reaches capacity. 8www.hamleys.com/ christmastoyparade

Sun 19 Nov - SoundHoppers Family Workshop (NW1) Go to the British Library and get involved in some sound experiments, and explore different qualities of sound through engaging games and fun listening exercises. The session will be led by Wajid Yaseen, a British artist who develops sound-based artworks involving live performances, acousmatic music and sound sculptures.

This workshop is free and places are limited to 40 people per workshop and allocated on a first come, first served basis. 11:30am – 1pm and 2-3.30pm.

8www.bl.uk Sun 19th Nov - Family Day: Autumn Garden Art (NW3) Create leaf rubbings to celebrate the beautiful natural shapes and shades found in the Keats House garden this autumn. Gather foliage, ferns and beautiful beech leaves – then use them to create autumn art to brighten up those grey November days. Free drop in from 1-4pm. (020 7332 3868 *keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk Tue 21 Nov – Sun 7 Jan - Christmas Past (E2) Escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas today and step back through time to Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum. Authentic festive decorations, lighting, music and greenery transform the museum’s period living rooms, giving an evocative glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in English homes over the past 400 years. Seasonal food and drink will be on the menu in the café and the shop will be full of Christmas decorations and cards, stylish homewares, gifts and treats.

8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Sun 26 Nov - Christmas Designer Market (E2) Visitors to the V&A Museum of Childhood will enjoy stress free shopping to the melodic sounds of the Becontree Brass Band and will have the chance to buy unique gifts directly from some of London’s most exciting established and emerging independent designers and makers. 10am-5pm.

8www.vam.ac.uk/moc Sun 26 Nov - Forty Hall Christmas Market (EN2) Forty Hall’s annual Christmas Market is back again! Start your Christmas shopping early in the festively decorated Hall and Outer Courtyard where local artists and traders will be displaying their high quality and often handmade goods. The fair offers shoppers the opportunity to pick up a variety of creative gifts for friends and family! Look out for the Enfield Citadel Band and Songsters and Soup Ukulele bands who will be performing Christmas classics whilst you browse the many stalls. 11am - 4pm.

Thu 30 Nov - Keats House by Candlelight (NW3) Join the knowledgeable guides for an evening tour and a magical opportunity to see Keats House dressed for the festive season and illuminated by candlelight. Finish the evening with a mince pie in the majestic Chester Room. First tour: 6.30–8pm Second tour: 8–9.30pm 8www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Families North London 21

What’s On Sat 16th Dec - Story Quest! (EC1M) Join the Charterhouse, Salters’ Company and Barbican Children’s Library on a story time adventure. Handle archival material, use quills and invent your own imagined story as you journey between our three awesomely inspiring venues. Go away with your very own book complete with hand drawn illustrations. Suitable for ages 4-10. 8www.thecharterhouse.org

A Challenge of Fire & Ice, ZSL Thu 9 Nov

December Sat 2 Dec - Harry Potter Family Day (NW1) Explore the magic of the British Library at this fun family day. Visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition, get creative in hands-on workshops and delve into the magical world of storytelling. Before or after a visit to the exhibition, take part in a number of creative activities with your family create your own puppets, make and gaze through your own star telescopes, hear some amazing stories and meet some magical creatures. Booking is essential.

See details on website. 8www.bl.uk Sat 2 Dec - Winter Arts Fair (E1) A free event at the Half Moon Theatre featuring local artists, children’s book illustrators, Linda Marlowe (EastEnders’ Sylvie Carter), a range of handmade crafts and a series of events in the theatre with some of the Pictures at Play artists. The Winter Arts Fair is free to attend.

8www.halfmoon.org.uk Sun 3rd Dec – Lucky Button Day Workshops and Book Reading with Michael Morpurgo (WC1N) Join children’s author Michael Morpurgo at the Foundling Museum for a reading from his new book inspired by the Foundling Hospital, and enjoy music featured in the story. As part of Lucky Button Day, you can also drop in to the art workshops inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s new book.

In these free creative workshops, make your own musical instrument, inspired

by Michael Morpurgo’s new book Lucky Button. Suitable for age 5+.

(020 7841 3600 *enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk Sun 3, Sun 10 & Sun 17 Dec - Under the Christmas Tree (W8) Visitors to Kensington Palace will be able to experience the excitement of Queen Victoria’s Christmas with ‘Under the Christmas Tree’. This event will see visitors being treated to Victoria’s memories of Christmas past, before creating their own beautiful Christmas decoration to take home. 8www.hrp.org.uk 22 Families North London

Sat 9 Dec - Family Workshop: Christmas Sparkle (E2) Create some Christmas magic for your home in this decorationmaking activity at the Geffrye Museum from 10:30am - 4:30pm. Free, drop-in, places on a first-come, first-served basis.

8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Sun 10 Dec - Pine Cone Creatures (N3) Get creative and make your very own forest creature at Stephens House and Garden. Decorate a pine cone harvested from the Estate with fun materials. Held in the Visitor Centre, £1 per child per cone - no booking necessary.

8www.stephenshouseandgardens.com Sun 10th Dec - Family Barn Dance (NW1) Take the entire family to Cecil Sharp House and take part in lively dances from the British Isles in a supportive and fun environment! Live music inspires the dancing and expert callers guide the moves with simple instructions. Groups should include a minimum of one adult for every four children. Children under 5 should be partnered by an adult and may need guiding or carrying through the dances. No unaccompanied children or adults! 8www.cecilsharphouse.org Thu 14 Dec -Festive After Hours (E2) Celebrate the season at this special Christmas extravaganza at the Geffrye Museum which has something for everyone! Featuring the ever-popular Crafty Fox Christmas market, craft activities for children and adults, seasonal talks and greenery demonstrations, music, street food and a bar. 4 - 9pm, free entry.

8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Fri 15th Dec - Perfect Pomanders (EC1M) Go along to this Christmas workshop at The Charterhouse and make a perfectly perfumed pomander. Popular during the Middle Ages, the belief went that the pleasant scent of a pomander could repel diseases in the air. Now, their sweet citrus scent ushers in the festive season.

Take along as many oranges as you like & they’ll supply the rest! Suitable for ages 6-11. 8www.thecharterhouse.org

Sun 17 Dec - Animal Christmas Crackers: Concert and Art Workshop (WC1N) Join the Waldegrave Ensemble at the Foundling Museum for a magical animalthemed family concert. Enjoy the story of dancing mice, cats and fauns in Berio’s Opus Number Zoo, and discover the fate of the duck escaping from the hungry wolf in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Afterwards you can create animalthemed Christmas crackers in a free family workshop. Inspired by the family concert, design your own cat, mouse or wolf crackers to take home and pull.

Suitable for age 5+.

8www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Sun 17th Dec - Family Day: Christmas Printmaking (NW3) Join artist Orly Orbach at Keats House for a hands-on printmaking workshop. Create your own Christmas cards and wrapping paper for the festive season. You’ll use lino cuts and plasticine to personalise your Christmas stationery, adding a special handmade touch to your gifts this year. Free drop in from 1-4pm. (020 7332 3868 *keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk Mon 18 - Fri 22 Dec - Colouring in 2018: Bank of England (EC2R) It’s time to get creative this festive season. Colour your way into 2018 by decorating a Museuminspired calendar and bring some of your favourite Museum objects to life! The calendar will include museum events for 2018, the perfect way to plan ahead!

There’s a free chocolate coin for every child. Admission and all activities are free.

8www.bankofengland.co.uk Tue 19 Dec - Winter Quest & Craft (NW3) A creative workshop to bring Kenwood’s world famous paintings to life. Families will get to work together to try out different art and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding out more about its collections. Sessions will take place in the house. Just turn up between12pm3.30pm to take part.

8www.english-heritage.org.uk Wed 20 Dec - Lantern Making & Christmas Carol Singalong (N6) Spend an afternoon making Christmas lanterns to get your into the swing of Christmas at Lauderdale House. Then take your lantern along to the Lower Gallery for a free Christmas Carol Singalong. All ages welcome,Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer. *enquiries@lauderdale.org.uk 8www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Wed 20 - Thu 21 Dec - Handmade holidays at Museum of London Docklands (E14) Many wartime holiday decorations were handmade in the ‘make do and mend’ spirit of the times. Create your own at the Museum of London Docklands.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands Fri 22 - Sat 23 Dec - Freezing Frost Fairs (E14) Imagine a winter so cold the Thames freezes and an elephant can cross the ice!

It happened over two hundred years ago during London’s last frost fair. Create a collaborative frost fair scene.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands Fri 22 Dec – Mon 1 Jan – Elizabethan Christmas (HP8) Visitors to Hampton Court Palace will be treated to an ‘Elizabethan Christmas’, with Tudor-style courtyard entertainment, live period music and dance conjuring up the Christmas of 1592 with Elizabeth I and her court. The Tudor Queen herself will even be in residence for the celebrations!

8www.hrp.org.uk Sun 26 Dec - WI Frost Fair (N3) The annual seasonal fair at Stephens House, with jewellery, crafts, cards, and - of course - the popular WI cake and craft stall, selling homemade items, preserves and other beautiful items. 11:30am 4:30pm.

8www.wifinchley.blogspot.co.uk

Wed 27 – Sun 31 Dec - Medieval Christmas Festivities (EC3N) Revel in the festivities at the Tower of London with King Richard III, Queen Anne Neville, and the knights and ladies of medieval England, with music, dance and games adding to the family entertainment.

8www.hrp.org.uk Fri 29 – Sat 30 Dec - Peter Pan: an Arena Spectacular (HA9) For the first time ever, The World’s Biggest Pantomime Ltd will play in London, presenting Peter Pan, a stunning new arena spectacular, at The SSE Arena, Wembley. Starring Bradley Walsh as Mr Smee, Martin Kemp as Captain Hook, and Matt Knight as Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie’s original story and characters will be brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers, including a thrilling team of BMX riders, stuntmen and trapeze artists, along with a 7m-long animatronic crocodile!

8www.ssearena.co.uk Sat 30 Dec & Mon 1 Jan - Hanukah Celebrations at the Museum of London (EC2Y) Discover the origins of the story that inspired Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, and design your own celebration cards to share with friends and family. Then explore the Hebrew language and learn how to write your name! 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk

January Sat 6 – Sun 7 Jan - Farewell to Christmas and Closing Party (E2) Help say goodbye with a bang to both Christmas and the Geffrye Museum which will be closing on Sun 7 Jan for almost two years for a transformational development project.

Enjoy street food, winter cocktails, live music and bargains in the shop’s big sale.

8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Sun 7 Jan – Sun 11 Feb – Cirque Du Soleil: OVO (SW7) Cirque du Soleil returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall with a celebration of nature and Co-existence.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 17 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts.

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. (020 7589 8212 8www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo 8www.royalalberthall.com

Peace of mind for you and your family At the Royal Free London Travel Health and Immunisation Clinic, we offer a wide range of vaccinations for both children and adults.

Our expert team, led by Dr Jane Zuckerman, are on hand to provide a best-in-class service to each and every one of our patients.

To book an appointment, please call: 020 7317 7751

OPENING

W: www.royalfreeprivatepatients.com/travel-clinic/ E: rf.privateenquiries@nhs.net A: Royal Free London, Private Patients Unit, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG

MONDAY 8AM – 7PM TUESDAY 9AM – 5PM WEDNESDAY 8AM – 7PM

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HOURS: THURSDAY 9AM – 5PM FRIDAY 9AM – 5PM SATURDAY 10AM – 4PM

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